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THE 



HostMe FipSeaad! 



A WAR DRAMA 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY GEO. H. FULLERTON. 



-jd according to act of Congress, in the year 1873, by Geo. H. Fuller- 
ton, in the office ^t the Iiibrarian of Cougresp, at Washington.] 



North Bridgewater : 

gazette steam job printing establishment. 

1 873. 



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DRAMA TIS PER S 0N.¥.. 



Manley WiNTHRor, Unionist. 
Festus Gregory, Kebel. 
Dr. Winthrop, Manley' s Father. 
Mrs. Winthrop, Manley' s Mother. 
Louise Winthrop, Manley' s Sister. 
Col. Gregory', Festus' Father. 

Lillian Gregory, ) T^p^^us' Sisfevs 
Marion Gregory, ( ^^^^"^ histeis. 

Mr. Holman, Union Soldier. 

Mrs. Holman, Wife of Mr. Holman. 

Charles, Grandson of Holman. 

Hark, Winthrop' s Negro Servant. 

PaSon' \ Speakers at War Meeting, 
DoBBS, Recruiting Officer. 

Col. Dearson, i tt,,-„., n«i„„, „ 
Lieut. Haines, r^^^o'^ ^ffl'^^^^" 

Uncle Joe, t 

Mary Ann, > And otherp. Slaves of Gregory. 

Sam, ) 

Miss Peters, 1 

Miss Henry, I Members of Society foj aid of Sani'ii; 

Mrs. Dolby, f Commission. 

Mrs. Roy'son, J 

Banjoist, Bones, Pianist, Soldiers, Orderly ar.'l Adju 




)- 



THE HOSTILE FRIENDS. 



ACT. 1. 



ScENK I. — New England. A Room in College, Manley Win- 
throp reading an evening paper. Enter Festus Gregory L. 

Gkeg. What news, Manley ? All peaceful yet? 

Wix. Sad news. Festus ; sad news. 

Gkeg. What mean you ? Let me see it. No outbreak, 1 
trust. ( Taken the paper and read.s. ) 

Wasiiinuton, April 12, 18(51. — At 4.:30 A. M., fire was opened 
ui)on Fort Sumpter from Fort Moultrie, and soon after from 
the batteries on Mount Pleasant, Cumjnin<;'s Point, and the 
floating battery; in all 17 mortars and 30 large guns for shot 
— mostly columbiads." 

And the cowards did not return the Are ! Pish ! 

Wix. Hold tliere, Festus ! Be careful what you say ! Head 
on, and you will see if they submitted tamely. 

Gkeg. I will not read. They are Yankees, and there's no 
courage in a Yankee ! 

Win. You shall know if there is! It's not in words and 
bluster. Pland here ; I will read it. (Readn aloud.) 

"Meantime the garrison of Sumter took breakfast quietly 
at their regular hour, were divided into three reliefs, each of 
which was to work the guns for f(mr hours; and the fire of 
Sumter was opened at 7 A. M., from the lower tier of guns, 
ujjon Fort Moultrie, the iron battery on Cumming's Point, two 
batteries on Sullivan's Island, and the floating battery simul- 
taneously. When the first relief went to work, the enthusi- 
asm of the men was so great that the second and third reliefs 
could not be kept from the guns." 

Is that cowardice '? Ah ! Festus, I make no quarrel with you : 
but this I say : You shall be made to swallow your words of con- 



tempt. {Festus enraged sjyrings towards Mm). Hold ! my friend ; 
I utter no threat of personal injury; nor do I mean tliat I will 
compel you ; but you shall see that Northern men are not 
cowards ; that they fear not to face the mouth of the cannon 
in the discharge of their duties to their country. You shall 
know how a true man, how a Yankee loves his country, and 
how much he esteems the priceless boon of liberty. 

Greg. Well, Winthrop, we shall see ! You seem suddenly 
to have become a brave man ; and I admit that you evince the 
spirit of a gentleman, which, (liowmuch Imay have loved you) 
I never before gave you the credit of possessing. 

Win. I do think Mr. Gregory that you are very complimen- 
tary. Upon my word, I thank you. My best wishes to the 
colonel, your father, and pray inform him that I am very hap- 
py to have had the honor of associating with so courteous a 
gentleman as his son has proved himself to be. 

Geeg. Ah! you honor me; but let' s have done with this. 
We have been friends through three years of college life, and 
we have often sworn that our friendship should be eternal. 
Amicitia vera est semjnterna. {They shake hands.) 

Win. Festus, I do regard you no less than ever before, and 
we will part friends, if indeed we must part. I sIiaII offer my 
services to my country ; I shall do what I can to subdue the 
spirit of insurrection, and to preserve the Union. 

Geeg. And I, my friend, shall hasten home to Virginia, to 
fight with my native state. I must prove true to the Old Do- 
minion. If we, fighting in opposing armies, should meet face 
to face, I pray God I may not shrink from duty ; but if you are 
in prison, and I am near, I will use all my influence to make 
you comfortable ; if you are wounded on the field and fall into 
our hands I will do all I can for your relief. 

Win. Enough, Festus, I do believe you, and I to you no less 
a friend will prove. {Knocking heard at the door.) 

Win. Come in. [Enter Hark L.] Well my boy, what now ? 
What news from home ? 

Haek. Mas'r Manley, de gub'ner say you come straight 
home mejitly. He's af eared you'll git inter trouble wid dat 
secesh chum o' yourn. I's come round wid de light phayton 
which was give to you de last commencement. 

Win. Hark, have you heard the news ? 

Haek. What news, Mas'r Manley? 

Win. The Southerners have fired on Fort Sumter, and civil 
war has begun. 

Hark. Is you jokin', Mas'r Manley? 

Win. No, it is the sad truth. 



Hark. Lor', Mas'r Manley. De debbil is in dem Southern- 
ers shore. Dey specs to whij) de whole Northern region, does 
they? 

Greg. And they'll do it too. 

Hark. [Startin;/ as if friyhtened.] Lor', Mas'r Gregory ! you 
here? But dere ain't so many white folks in de souf as dere 
is in de Norf, and de greater shall beat de smaller. 

Greg. Tut! you black imp. One of the Southern chivalry 
can whip twenty Yankees. 

Hark. But dey ain't all of de ch'baliy, Mas'r Gregory. 

Greg. The whole South will rise as one man, and tlie poor 
whites will be stimulated to bravery by our example. 

Hark. If de white trash goes wid you, what Avill de collud 
folks be doin' all de while ? 

Greg. They ? A pretty question, you nigger ! They ? why, 
they will do whatever their masters command them to do. 

Hark. Yaas sir, Mas'r Gregory, I specs dey will. [Poifit- 
iny over Ids left fiboulder.] 

Win. Come. Hark, we won't discuss this subject any more 
at present. Here, you take some of my traps — this bag and 
cane — and go down, I'll be there i)resently. 

Hark, Good bye, Mas'r Gregoiy, may you live till the Yan- 
kees whip you. [Exit Hark, ohscqitiously L.] 

Win. Well, Festus, old chum, it seems that I must leave 
you now, though doubtless Hark, invented the story about my 
father's being afraid to trust us longer together-. I am sorry 
that we fight not upon the same side ; then could we win hon- 
or in the same battle, fighting against a common enemv. It 
cannot b<^ you love the Old Dominion, where your proud fam- 
ily has lived for generations, and I love our institutions, our 
nation and liberty. Good bye Festus. [TJicy cla><p JiandN.] 

Greg. It is indeed sad to part thus, Manley, I would it 
were not to be. You are a good fellow, I was excited when 
I spoke so unkindly to you a little while since. You do for- 
give me ? 

Win. I do, Festus. we were both excited. We will ever be 
friends, and should the fortunes of war bring us togther, even 
then we will not forget our vows. [Knockiny at the door.] 
Come. [Enter Hark L bov:iny luri.\] 

Hark. I beg you will 'sense me, Mas'r Gregory, de gub'ner 
say he send his compliments and 'vite you to de house along 
o' Mas'r Manley. 

Win. Why did you not say this before ? 

Hark. I forgot him, shore. I did Mas'r Manley, so help 
me Jeff. 



6 

Win. Did my father tell you that he was afraid that we 
WQukl get into trouble ? CJomo, out with it. 

Hakk. No sar, but I spec dat's de reason. Couldn't think 
o' nothin' else. [Exit Hark L.] 

Wix. I told you, Festus, that it was probably Hark's own 
story. I hope you will come with me ; do not shake your head, 
but come on. You were never more welcome than you will be 
tonight. 

Greg. No, my friend, it is better that I stay away. Some 
unpleasant words might be spoken. I desire to have only 
pleasant recollections of your pleasant home. 

Win. But Louise, — surely you would see her, and bid her 
good bye. 

GrKEG. Not so ; our sympathies are no longer the same ; she 
would despise me, and perhaps spurn me as a traitor, so, good 
bye, Manley. Farewell — may Heaven bless you. 

Win. Farewell. Heaven preserve us to meet again. [Exit 
Winthrop L.'\ 

Greg. Ah! this is but the beginning. Friends must part 
to never meet again, or perchance, to cross swords in battle, 
or to die by each other's hand. I loved him as a brother; but 
I love Old Virginia more. He says that he loves the nation 
and liberty. Have our people made a great mistake ? Are we 
wrong, and the North right ? I do not know ; I cannot tell. 
[Looks at his watch.] It is now the hour for the mail; perhaps 
it brings a letter from home. [Exit Greyory L.] 



Scene II. — Same. Room in Dr. Winthro}''' s mansion. Louise 
at the piano. Mrs. Martha Wintlirop sittiwj hy, reading a hook. 
Enter Dr. Winthrop, R., seats himself in an arm chmr'. 

Dk. Win. I have sent Hark for Manley and his chum. I 
am anxious to know what position Gregory will take in regard 
to affairs. If he is as hot and outspoken in favor of secession, 
as he has shown himself to be in commending the southern 
chivalry and their rights, as he terms them, I am afraid that 
Manley will get into trouble with him. 

Louise. No! Oh, no! 

Mks. Win. I hope not. I think thi.t my boy will comport 
himself like a gentleman, which he has ever shown himself to 
be. 

Dr. Win. Ah! Martha, these are trying times through 
which we are passing, or perhaps I may say into which we are 
entering. Boys will become men ; men will become heroes. 
The calm men .of today will be enthusiasts tomorrow, and in 
the heat of excitement we know not what we ourselves would 
do. Gregory is quick of temper, and Manley will endure no 
abuse of his country. I thank Heaven, too, that he will not. 



Have we not taught him to love that precious maxim : Dulce 
*'f. decvnuii est jirn jiatric luori? and did he not drink in ijatriot- 
ism with his mother's milk? Ah! he is a noble boy. 

Mrs. Win. You speak truly, doctor. Mauley is indeed a 
noble boy ; but though he would willingly die for his country, 
I do not believe that he would treat his friend discourteously. 

Louise. And Mr. (iregoiy, I am sure, ii* a gentleman. Has 
he not proved himself to be such, papa? 

Dr. Win. He has indeed, my daugliter; and my fears may 
be ungrounded. They aie as fine a brace of boys as I ever 
saw, and I hope they will come home together. 

Louise. There goes the bell. 

Mrs. Win. It is Manley's ring. [Ej-it Louise, R., /nt,stily.\ 
1 think Louise is a little hasty. If Gregory is there he may 
misconstrue her eagerness. 

Dk. Win. Well, Martlia, let's remember our youth. It is 
perfectly natural that she should be eager to see Manley and 
his friend. [Euter Manley and Louixe, B.] 

Mrs. Win. Ah ! Manley, my dear boy. I r,,. , ., , 

Win. Dear Mother! '^ [lu^s each othei .\ 

Dr. Win. [sjiake.s hundn.] I am glad to see you my son. 
Where is Gregory ? 

Win. At the room. I could not persuade him to come, and 
Hark made one of his usual nonsensical speeches, said you 
were afraid of our getting into trouble, and that I must 
"come straight home mejitly." 

Dr. Win. The rascal ! He is always making up some story 
to suit his idea of things. But," sit down ; what does Gregory 
say in regard to the rebellious act of the authorities of South 
Carolina ? 

Win. He upholds it, as we might expect. He thinks that 
the "Southern chivalry" will do nothing wrong; can do noth- 
ing dishonorable. He bade me farewell, and says he shall 
hasten home to offer his services to his state. 

Louise. A traitor! [liluxlien and titampa her foot.] 
[Silence for a moment. 

Dr. Win. What said you, my son ? 

Win. I said that I should offer myself to my country to 
save her from her foes. 

Louise, Good ! [PutA< her arm around her brother''s neck im- 
petuously.] 

Dr. Win. Brave boy! ) \Tr^„^^^,,^.^ 

Mrs. W. You have spoken like a Winthrop! J l^''»«^"*f'-J 

Dr. Win. He has spoken like his mother's son. 

Win. It is but my duty, as you have always taught it to 
me. I am glad that you do not object to my entering the 
army. 

Dr. Win. Object, my son ? 

Win. But, mother. 



Mrs. Wix, As dearly as I love you my noble boy, (and 
only a mother can know the love which she bears her only 
son) ; as much as I look forward to your future of honor, yet 
I would rather that your body should lie and decay upon 
soutliern soil, than that no patriotic emotions should thrill 
your breast. I thank God that I have borne such a son, so 
good ! so true ! 

Dr. Win. [Amle.] Brave woman! yet who would think 
that she, who is so feeble would be so self denying; ? 

[AlnwL] Thou art braver than a Spartan! 

Thou art as brave as the Puritans ! 

Mrs. Win. Hush! husband, these coroi)liments do not be- 
come you. Eemember that you are no longer young. 

Dr. Win. I would that I were. I would go to the wars 
myself, that I might make myself worthy of guch a wife. 
[Hark appem-fi at an open door,] 

Win. Come in Hark. [Enter Hark, B.] 

Dr. Win. What ridiculous story did you tell at the Col- 
lege? 

Hark. Dunno, Mas'r Winthrop, what you's drivin' at. 
Don't member nothin'. 

Dr. Win. Didn't you say that I was afraid that Manley 
and Mr. Gregory would get into trouble ? 

HAiiK. Yaas sir, specs I did, but Mas'r Winthrop, I 
thought you was skeered shore. I thought dat was de truf. 

Dr. Win. And you led him to think that he would not be 
welcome hei'e, did you ? 

Hark. I dunno Mas'r Winthrop. I's told him dat you 
'vited him to come wid Mas'r Manley; but 'spected you didn't 
want de secesh here nohow. 

Dr. Win. Hark, Manley is to join the army of the North. 
What do you say to that ? 

Hark. I spected he would go. O Lor', Mas'r Winthrop, I 
seed it in him. I seed it when he was a leetle boy, running 
round and protectin' de poor boys, and de girls dat was cryin'. 
I says, dat boy is a gemman's son, and he's got de gemman in 
him. Dem are de boys dat makes de big men. 

Dr. Win. Well spoken Hark; but I suppose you will not 
care to go with him. 

Hark. Oh! Mas'r Winthrop. Dat is de onkindest you 
ever spoke to me ! Does you spose dat I has tended dat chile 
from his cradle up, andjwatched him through his youthful days, 
thi-ough de school, de 'cademy, and three years inter college, 
and now is goin' to leave him ? 

Mrs. Win. God bless you Hark. You are a brave fellow. 

Dr. Win. Wife, I believe I'm getting young again. I have 
a great mind to offer my services as surgeon. 

Mrs, Win. I think you are needed more at home, at present. 



9 

Louise. Yes indeed, father, what -would all our patients do 
without you ? 

Hauk. Missus Winthrop, Jane says dat de supper am 
ready. 

Mks. Win. Come Manley let us go. [Exeunt all, i?.] 

Scene III. — Virginia. Verandah at the residence of Colonel 
Gregory. Enter Vol. G., Lillian G., and Marion G., R. 

Lillian. Oh ! papa is there any news from Festus ? 

Col. G. No dear, we have heard nothing. The mails must 
have been delayed, tor he has never tailed to write us. 

Marion. Perhaps the Yankees liave arrested him. 

Lillian. No, papa, they would not; would they? 

Col. G. I hardly think they would do that. Festus is. 
however, right free to speak his mind, and we know that tine 
Southerner as he is, he has made trouble here l)y his talk al>out 
eertain abuses. I would i-isk my life on his loyalty to the old 
Dominion, but I do not think that he would be drawn into 
any diseussion with the Northerners on the subject. 

Makion. The mudsills I ir they touched Festus, I would 
strangle everv one of them. 

Col. G. Ha! ha! my pet. Their numbers are great ; what 
could a little one like you do? 

Marion. Now papa, are yovi turning Yankee ? 

Col. G. Not so. Do you think that any one who bears the 
name of Gregory would stoo]) to even think as the Yankees 
do ? No, my dear ; but they are right strong in numbers, and 
we must not underrate their power. It is true that one of us 
could whip twenty of them, l)ut we may be overpowered for a 
time, nevertheless. Eventually we shall succeed. 

Lillian. Papa, do you think that Festus' college chum will 
sympathize with the North ? 

Col. G. Undoubtedly Lillian, undoubtedly. The old fam- 
ilies of the North, and especially of Massachusetts, are as proud 
and unyielding as we, of Virginia. As their state goes, so they 
go ; as our state goes, so go we. I would not be surprised to 
hear that young Winthrop had entered the army which is now 
being recruited at Boston. 

Marion. I do wish that Festus would come home. It is too 
bad that the mails are delayed. [Enter Festus, B.] 

Lillian. My brother! 

Festus. Lillian ! 

Mabian. Oh! Festus, the Yankees did not kill you did 
they? 

Festus. Not quite, sis — Good-morning father ! 

Col. G. Good-morning my son. I am right glad to see you. 
This is indeed a surprise. 



10 

Makiois'. Yes Festus, we thoiislit you were way off in that 
liorrid Massachusetts, where those dreadful mechanics live. 
How could you stay there so long? 

Festus. But did not my sister live in New York ? 

Mariox. But they were more like us there, and they will 
fight for our cause. 

Festus. Have the young ladies all become politicians here ? 
What says my quiet sister ? 

Lillian We are all patriots, Festus, and if Southern women 
cannot fight, we can spur others on to duty, and we can and 
will withhold our smiles from those who prove recreant to old 
Virginia. 

Festus. Father, what means this? Is there indeed so in- 
tense a feeling about the matter as the quiet Lillian's words 
lead me to suspect? 

CoL. G. Festus, are you crazed ? Does my only son come 
from the North tainted by their ignoble principles ? Can you 
ask such a question when our cause is in peril ? 

Festus. Father ! 

Col. G.- Answer me. Are you a traitor to your state and 
to Southern institutions? If so, you shall never again find 
shelter beneath this roof. 

[Sister.s both look anxiously for hU anawer.] 

Festus. I am a Virginian and a Gregory. Is not this a 
sufficient answei ? 

CoL. G. It is. 

Festus. Of little value do I reckon everything beside my 
honor. I am a Southerner, a rebel. I will stand firm by my 
native state, and fight for her laws. 

{Enter Sam, R., turniwj a somersault, all smile.] 

Marion. Oh ! 

Festus. That's a pretty way to salute ladies. Aren't you 
ashamed of yourself? 

Sam. Yaas sir, Mas' r Festus, I'se right 'shamed; bUt I'se 
glad to see ye. [Turns another somersault.] 

CoL. G. [Sternly.] What do you want here ? 

Sam. I'se don't want nothing, Massa Gregory. 

Col. G. Well, what are you here for? 

Sam. Case I was sent for to come. 

CoL. G. Who sent you, you rascal ? 

Sam. De officer ! 

Col. G. What officer? 

Lillian. Officer? ( n. „^.,,,„ i 

MARION. Officer? ( [Together.] 

Sam. Yaas sir, de officer. Isn't de oberseer an officer? 

Fesius strikes at him lolth his cane, and curtain falls as he turns 
a somersault and 7-uns away. Exeunt L. and B. 



11 



ACT II. 

Scene. I. Town near Bo.^to)i. War meeting in Town Hall ; 
men and women ast^embled. Enter Blylow, L., and ai<cends the 
platform ainidnt great applause. 

BiGLow. Ladies and gentlemen; these are trying times, 
and we are called upon to prove that we are worthy citizens of 
a great republic. When a few weeks ago, the tocsin from Fort 
Sumter sounded the alarm of a mighty nation in peril, we 
were stirred to the heart's core, and we asseverated by all that 
is good and great, that the rebels should be subjugated, and 
peace once more restored. Have we forgotten these solemn 
protestations ? Shall the lull of a few hours still your con- 
sciences, that they no more shall call upon you to vindicate 
the honor of the nation ? Nay, I tell you nay. Even now 
while I speak, I can see by your eyes that your souls are 
warmed with patriotic fervor. You love you country like true 
citizens ; and with this love. 1 believe, nay. I know that there 
is mingled that courage wliich will lead you to face the ene- 
my and to hurl back upon our foes the danger with which 
they menace us. And ladies, ycni have a duty to perform, no 
less than the men. It is true that you cannot be soldiers, that 
you cannot bear arms in defence of your country and its in- 
stitutions, but you can consent to the departure of your broth- 
ers, your husbands, your fathers; nay. you can urge them to 
leave you, for a nation's good. Then shall you have a part in 
the glory of the conquerors, then can you feel that you have 
had the glorious privilege of doing something to preserve the 
union. I have heard the question asked: "What will become 
of our wives and children when we are away?" As if, ladies 
and gentlemen, the citizens of this town could ever forget for 
a moment the sacrifices which those make who go forth in the 
defence of liberty. I tell you gentlemen that "sorrow makes 
us all akin," and if in the fortunes of war, you should be 
wounded, or if aught should detain you for months beyond 
the expected time of your return, we will care for your fam- 
ilies as for our own. It shall not be counted charity, if we 
supply there needs, nay, gentlemen it will be but the partial 
payment of the great debt which we all owe you, the gallant 
defenders of a nation's honor. 

[DoBBS. Come up gentlemen and enlist; now's your time.] 

BiGLow. O gentlemen, think of the gloi-y that will come 
to you by the performance of this duty. Be patriots, and with 
your wives and children in the safe protection of your loving 
fellow-citizens, go forth to battle for honor and for liberty. 
[Exit Biyloto, L. Payson ascends the platform from audience.] 



1-2 

Paysox. Great inducements : lionor. i)romotion and a 
splendid chance to see tlie country ; expenses paid by Uncle 
Samuel : pure old Government Java, corned beef, haid tack, 
soft tack whenever it can be had, and all the necessaries of 
life, not to say luxuries, and medical attendance, free of charge. 
[Tliink!^ it a pretty (jood joke (ittd luwjhs nt it.] True, you may 
not have feathei- beds, but doctors tell us they are unhealthy 
and that we should dispense with them even at home. You 
shall then live as .Nature designed, with the greenest velvet 
for your bed and celestial blue for your covering. Perhaps 
sometimes you will have a i^ine board to lie on ; but then you 
know that you can take the soft side of it. Think of the great 
opportunities you have for promotion. There is no one here 
who shall enlist as a private but may come back a captain, a 
major, a colonel or a general. Think of the honor which you 
will confer u^jon your children and your children's children to 
many future generations. It will be Captain this one, Major 
such-a-one, Colonel what's-his-name. and General whom-did- 
you-say. Oh! great will be your glory. [Voice — wlnj d(»it 
you (JO then ?] Yes gentlemen, gi-eat will be your gloi-y, and 
your fame shall afar extend. Some of you have been cooped 
up ever since your birth, but now you may go forth and be- 
hold the vast expanse of these once United States, while your 
mothers, your wives and your children are cared for by those 
whose duties re(iuires their presence at home. 

DoBBS. Come up gentlemen and enlist ; now's your time. 

[Enter i?., Mauley ]Viiithrop, wlio amid repeated calls takef< the 
platforiii.] 

"VViNTHRop. Fellow citizens: Our country calls ! She needs 
us to save her from dishonor. Shall we remain inactive and 
not heed her cries? [Voices excitedly, no, no I] You have 
said, we will not. These are days for action, and not for speech 
alone. Who among you will enlist himself as a defender of 
his country? [Cries of I, and I, and I.] Come then and let 
us enroll our names. [Si(/ns the roll and nearly all follow Iris 
example, and retire, B. and L., the band playing the Star Spangled 
Banner. 

TABLEAU: ''The Nation Aroused.'" 



Scene II. New England. Poorly furnished room. Old too- 
man knitting. Enter old man, L. [Holman her husband.] 

Holm AX. Well, granmam, what do you think; Charles 
wants to go into the army. 

Me.s. HoL. Mei-cymei What do you mean? 

HoLMAX. He says he loves his country, and wants to do 
somethin' to save her from the rebels. 



13 

Mks. Hol. Charles! Why, you don't mean our boy, Liza's 
child, do you? 

IIoi.MAX. To be sure, wife, who else? 

Mks. Hoi,. But he's too youn^j. Let me see. His mother's 
been dead these, — why 'twas four year ago come July, and he 
was ten the month afore. 

HoLMAX. That makes him fourteen. Wal, he is pooty 
young, I should think. 

Mrs. Hol. The boy can't be in earnest, he'll have to wait 
four or five years yet. What did you say to him granpa ? 

Holm AN. I says, your granmarm won't want yer to go, and 
I guess you'd better stay at home, and look after things for I 
expect to go myself. 

Mks. Hol. You Abijah HolmanI You go to war? Why 
your're sixty, if you air a month. 

Holm AX. Wal. Lucia, I know it. but yer see. I ken color up, 
so you'd think I was a young man again, and I'll pass for forty 
or thereabout. 

Mus. Hol. But Abijah ; jest ter think of your goin' to the 
wars. What would become of me? 1 couldn't live no way 
without you. 

HoLMAX. Well Lucia, if the boy stays at home you ken git 
along well enough. They say the war will Ijc ended in three 
months ; besides it'll be in the pleasantest part of the year, 
and you won't suffer. We've got a little money laid by, so you 
won't starve: and the neighbors "11 be kind to you if you are 
a soldier's widow. 

Mrs. Hoi,. O Abijah! how ken you talk so? Seems to me 
as if we were gettin" young again. Seems jiut as it used to 
when you was a leavin' me the summer afoie we was married, 
only worse. ^ If you never should come back, and the war 
should be ov(!!r, what would become of Charles and me? 

HoLMAX. Wife, wife, this doesn't seem like you: I think 
you are trying to persuade me to stay at home through love 
for you ; but haven't you heard what promises the people have 
made for the families of those who leave all for their country's 
safety ! 

Mrs. Hol. Yes. Abijah! I liev: but people don't always 
do what they promise. 

Holm AX. Lucia! Lucia! I am surprised, I am. When the 
town otiicers and the people who hope to be in office, the re- 
sponsible people of the town, say that our families shall not 
suffer while we are gone ; and when they say in earnest tones 
that should we return unfit for labor we shall be cared for; 
when on the platform and in the pulpit, amid the cheers of the 
woihen and others who remain at home, they declare that the 
widows and orjihans of the soldiers shall be protected against 
all suffering as their own wives and children; when all this 



14 

is said, can you doubt them ? They would be false to their 
country did they not keep good their words. [Eater Charles, 
drumiiuny. Mrs. II. stops her ears.] 

Charles. There, granm«'am, how's that? 

Mrs. Hol. Mercy ! what a noise you make. Granpa, that 
sounds ahnost as good as Capen's drummin', May trainin'. 
Charles, where did you learn to do that ? 

Charles. Oh I up town. I'm goin' to war to drum for 
them. I guess grandjia can take care of you granmother. 
Don't you think he can? 

Mrs Hol. He says that he is goin', too. 

CuARLKS. Hol ho! You going grandfather? Give us your 
hand. [Therj shake hands. Shouts heard.] There they are, now. 
I am off up town. 

MRs. Hol. Come back early, child. 

Charles. All right, grandmother. [Exit Charles, R.] 

Mrs. Hol. Do you think, Abjiah, you ought to go? 

Holmax. Yes, Lucia, I sartainly do, if for nothin' else 
than to take care of the boy. 

Mrs. Hol. Wal, I spose you must. He'll be sick if he stays 
to home. I know just how 'twill work on him, but it's orful 
hard to have you go. We've lived together so long, I don't 
see how I can get along without you. 

HoLMAN. O nonsense, Lucia. 

Mrs. Hol. There's somebody at the front door. [Euus off 
forgettimj all trouble. Exeunt all, B.J 

Scene III. At Washington. Tents of Capt. Wiythrop. Hark 
deaniwj the captain'' s equipments. 

SOLDIER'S SONG. 
Music, March of the Men of Harlech. To be sung outside scenes. 
We are soldiers in the valley. 
Waiting for the hosts to rally, 
Hoijing Burnside will not dally 

With our foes at hand. 
They are hoping to dismay us. 
Or with gath'ring force to stay us, 
But, if he will not delay us, 
We will firmly stand. 
We will give them battle ; 

We will seize their cattle. 
And we will speed, whert, he will lead. 
While sounds the muskets rattle. 
And we on to victory going, 
All the Southern legions mowing. 
Our success through valor showing 
To the rebel host. 



15 

Hark. If 'twant for dis yere Mike Lellan, 'pears to me we 
wouldn't a been loafin' round here, all dese months. Now de 
General Brownsides has got command, dey all expects to start 
for Fiedericksburg mejitly. Some of 'em say its mighty risky 
piece of b\isiness, dis crossin' de river in de face of de enemy : 
but Capt. Winthrop he say it is the best thing could be done, 
[Enter Capt. Winthroi), R.\ 

Capt. Win. Hark ! I am tired of this. Here the men are, 
suffering from the weather and lack of proi^er supplies, and 
all to no purpose. There's poor old Holman — the patriotic 
old fellow says that his patriotism is all taken away by this 
everlasting inactivity. 

Hark. 'Pears to me Mfs'r Manley, dat we's ought to 
move on de enemy, and if I was de general, you'd have de 
marchin' orders 'mejitly. 

Capt. Win. But you couldn't cross without the pontoons. 

Hakk. De pontoons? 

Capt. Win. Yes, tlie pontoons. You couldn't cross with- 
out them. 

Hark. I'd go by the bridges. 

Oapt. Win. The bridges are destroyed. 

Hakk. Well, den Mus'r Manley, I'd swim. 

Capt. Win. Ha! ha! Hark, you'd make a noted general. 
You are are a little worse than Pharaoh for planning. 

Hark. Never heerd of General Faro afore. Was he a 
rebel? 

Capt. Win. Ha! ha! old fellow. I thought you prided your- 
self on the Scripture. 

Hark. De Scriptures ? 

Capt. Win. Yes. 

Hark. So I does. You don't mean de Red Sea Faro, Mas'r 
Manley ? 

Capt. Win. No one else. 

Hark. But he was drowned and all de folks wid him. 

Capt. Win. And that is what would befall any general 
who should follow your plan for cro'ssing- the Rappahannock. 

Hark. Mas'r Manley, I spec I wasn't cut out for a general, 
nohow; but dis yere I knows, if I had been Mas'r Faro, I'd a 
swum ashore and saved de general. Haw ! haw ! 

[Enter Adjutant, R., >iahdin'j the Captain.] 

Adjutant. The Colonel orders you to have your command 
ready to march at a moment's notice. [Salutes him. Exit 
Adjutant, L.] 

Capt. Win. Hark! Pack up everything immediately. 
Have everything in readiness. [Exit Winthrop, L.] 

Hark. Now dis yei-e means business. I reckon we'll smell 
de gunpowder for dis chile is two days older. 



16 

We will tight for Father Abram, 

We will floht for Father Abram, 

Case he"ll set the black man free. 

Oh ! we'll fight for Father Abram, 

Case he gives us liberty. 
[Packs everythlnj and strilce.s the lent. Dniius ]tear<J, orders 
(jiven, marchln;/ conun'j nearer and nearer. E)iter Capf. Win- 
throp at the head of his command, lirhu/.s them into jiosition.] 

Capt. Win. Boys we are aboflt to start upon a perilous ex- 
pedition. The enemy are strongly entrenched at Fredericks- 
burg, and we shall undoubtedly meet with great loss of life. 
But comrades I can trust you. You enlisted through patriot- 
ism, and now in the trying hour you will prove true. Let us 
remember that the enemy of the whole country are upon us : 
but more let us be true to ourselves, to old Massachusetts, and 
to the God of Liberty. 

Sergt. Three cheers for Captain Wintluop. \All cheer 
loudly.] 

Capt. Win. Tliank you. [Lifts Ms rh((peaa.] Attention. 
By the right flank, march. Forward — march ! Exeunt (dl, li. \ 

Scene IV. Battle </round at Fredericksburg. Dead ami 
wounded lying about. Tune, nvjht. Enter Festus Gregory, li., 
searching for .somebody. 

Greg. Yes. it must bo here, right here I left him; 

Oh! cruel fate that bade me see him fall; 

xlnd stricken too by mine own hand — by mine. 

I woukl have spared thee, O my bosom friend : 

But should a soldier his heart promptings heed '? 

I would this curs'ed war was at an end — 

Friends, brothers die, and by each other's hand. 

Winthrop, chum, I did no malice feel 

Toward thee; 'twas but this morning, at the dawn. 
That I did pray for Heaven to guard thy life ; 
And here, somewhere, to-night, thou liest dead. 
We gained the day, 'tSs true — the Yankee troops 
Lie scattered round and bite the southern dust — 
But this does sorely try my loyalty. 
And now, O Wintlnx)p, boy ; if back to life 

1 could thy helpless body bring once more, 
I could — Ah I GregQi'Y, stain not thy name ; 
Speak not what thy^ender heart doth feel. 
Aye ! Aye ! I will be yet once more a man ; 
But Heaven dost Thou a deaf ear turn to me ; 
Oh! couldst Thou not have granted me this boon, 
To save from death the one my soul did love ? 

[A groan. Gregory turns toward the sound, and goes to gite 
him, assistance.] 



17 

(TKK(i. I will assistance give to ease his death. [Gives Inui 
to drink.] What! how is tlils? It is: 'tis Winthrop. Speak! 
Manley, cliuni ! hoy ! Thank Heaven ! Thou art alive. Take 
this Manley — some hrandy from my flask. Oh! I will have 
thee moved from this dread place; my own dear sisteis' hand 
shall give thee drink, and with a sister's love will thee attend. 

[[Vinflirop attempts to speak. Gregory listens and hears Ut-; 
name of Hark.] 

Gkeg. He speaks of Hark, liis servant at the North. Can he 
he here? I would he were this hour. [Enter Hark, L.] 

Hakk. What you doin' char you secesh? Can't you let 
de cap'n alone, and let him die in peace, if he ain't dead al- 
ready '? 

URECi. Hark ! 

Haiuv. Who is dat in dis hour of trial speaks so I'niiliarly 
tome? O Lor" ! Is de angel ob death a sweepin' round and 
callin' me by name. 

CrUEG. Hark! look here. [Holds the lantern so that it shines 
in hiii own face. Hark .starts as if /rinhtened.] 

Hakk. Ma.s'r Gregory, Is dat you? What does yer want 
here with de dead and dyin" ? 

Greg. I come to find the body of Winthrop, but he is not 
ilead, as you will see. Get that stretcher out there, and we 
will take him away. My own home is but three miles from 
here, and there he shall be tenderly nursed. [Hark ijets tlie 
.•stretcher.] ^ 

Hark. Bless you Mas'r Gregory! You ain't got a secesh 
heart nohow. I knowed you loved Mas'r Manley, but now I 
knows it shore. 

Greg. Ah! Hark do you think that because men flght for 
what they think to be their inherited rights, that they have 
lost all human feeling? Is your master any less a man now 
than when at home? 

Hark. No Mas'r Gregory, but de secesh seem to hab de 
bery debble in em. If it want for dis year deathly place, I 
should say dat dey must be de individuals dat dey claimed de 
second time, after deyd been swept out. [E.reunt all B. Enter 
Hohnan, L.] 

Holman. This is a cursed war. O where's the love 
Wliich Heaven bears to us upon this earth ? 
Oh ! what availeth all our earnest cries 
Since he my grandson — orphaned one — is dead ? 
Thy grandam i^rays even now for thee and me. 
Poor Charles ! dear boy ! What would her mourning be. 
Did she but know that thou wert lying dead ? 

Heaven ! CouM not her wrinkles plead with thee ? 
Are her grey hairs not eloquent in Heaven ? 

1 see her waiting, watching for a word 

To cheer her heart with hope that yet we live. 

3 



18 

It must be here I saw my o-i-audson die. 

Here is a neij^'hbor, friend of peaceful days. 

O Charles I — •What madness moves me! He i.s dead! 

[Lewis on his musket. Cries s(>bhin(/ly.] 
My hope — the jirop of my old age is gone. 

[7.S- silent, and tlien sinys. Tune C'ort/don.\ 
Ah ! gone is the hope of our age. 

Ne'er more shall we see his sweet smile, 
No more will he ever assuage 

Our grievings — our moments beguile. 
O War it has blighted my heart; 
Has taken my dear boy away. 
Who said he would never depart, 
But always beside me would stay. 
O Charles that you should lie upon this field 
And be the food of buzzards and crows, 

TA BLEA U: "Charles in Heaven. 
[A Quartette sinn: ""Thy will he done." Curtain falls.] 



ACT III. 

ScEXE I. Viri/inia. AV/ro cabin on Colonel Grenon/'s plan- 
tation. Time, Jan. 1, 1808. Old neyress sipj/in(/ sass(tfras-tea. 
Old man smoki)ii/. 

UxcLE Joe. Mary Ann, 'jivars to me dcse peoijle is late. 

Mary Axx. Mercy! no, Joseph, it's right early. De light 
hasn't comed into de cabin winder, scursely. 

Unci.e Joe. Go way, Mary Ann, you spects to teach me 
does you. I'm at de head of dis yere house to-day. Didn't 
Fader Abram tole us dat we all was free when de New Year 
come ■? 

Makv Anx. And isn't de women hands as free as de men ? 
You didn't git dis yere cabin more'n I, and you isn't more 
free den I is, Mister Joseph Gregory. [Uncle Joe is mollified 
by this compliment to his manliood and lets Mary Ann have her 
IV ay. 

UxcLE Joe. O go way, Mary Ann, I isn't a gwine to quar- 
rel dis yere right fine morniu", case I neber can sing de joyful 
songs, when de ole Adam is arisin' in de breast. Dis yere, yer 
know is 'Mancipation Day. 

Mary Axx. Hi! hi! dis yer Nancy 'Pation, whose she? 
'Pears ter me Joe, you is too old to member de day dat gal was 
born. . 

UxcLE Joe. O Lor" Mary Ann, such ignorance ! and in dis 
yere cabin! Doesn't yer know dat 'Mancipation is de name 
of de gen'ral dat Fader Abram told to make us free. Dev sav 



19 

lie corned all around de plantations and fotclied de news, and 
dats why dey call it 'Mancipation Day. Now, does yer know? 

Maey Ann. Go way ! you can't fool dis yere. Some ob de 
boys tole you. old man. or yer couldn't put on dese airs like 
de old Mas'r Greg'ry. [Sovnch of Khu/in;/ and of havjofi and 
holies.] 

Uncle Joe. Gollv Mary Ann. dere dev is. Open de cabin 
do'. 

Maey ann. Do it yourself. I isn't your slave if I is free. 

[Enter boys and (/iris tihi^in;/ and play In;/. All standint/ tJiey 
sin;/ a sr/n;/.] 

O we'll fight for Fader Abram, 
O we'll tight for Fader Abram, 
O we'll light for Fader Abram, 
'Case he set de black man free. 
O we'll fight for Fader Abram, 
'Case he gives iis liberty. 

Uncle Joe. Take seats ladies and gemman, take seats. 
You shall have de best de cibin affords. Mary Ann. hand 
dat ere stool over here. [G'ire.s if. to him with a frown.] De 
musicians will please to derange demselves in de order of dere 
rank. De vocalists Avill set on de chest, and de others will find 
dere 'propriate stations. 

SoPKANo. I is de sprannei' and I takes de head. If dat 
yere is de head I'se gwine to de proper station. [Some resist- 
ance is s]iown.] 

Boy. She's a pert young miss, see how she steps. [After 
.sojrtp gentle dispiitethey are seated.] 

Anotiiek Boy. That she is, you reckon. 

One of the Boys. Look yere, TJncle Joe, hasn't yer got 
some apple-jack or somcthin' to "radicate de cobwebs from do 
froat? [Whi.'ipers of sh! sh.'] 

Uncle Joe. Dis yere am a temp'rancc house, and is run 
on de temp'rance principles. Dere isn't no apple-jack in de 
cabin, but dere is de sassafrass tea. {Di.'^dain expressed hy all 
except tJie soprano, who accepts a cup of the bevera;/e.) 

Soprano. I takes a cup of de stinudation. {Before site 
has drank it, a little hoy wutcJies his time and drink-s the whole 
of it.) 

Soprano. (Enra;/ed.) Dere you imp, doesn't you knoAv 
manners. Does you take de stimulation away from de spran- 
ner. 

Boy. 'Taint yourn no more'n mine, we's all free to-day. 
[^1// sin;/ and play anil pat.] 
O we fight for Fader Abram, 
Case he set de black men free. 

SoPKANO. [After the rest.] Case he set de black man free. 
[Ending with a high note.] 

Uncle Joe. Will de gcmmen and ladies favor de aujiance 



20 

l)y ii,ivin" anocler time, and oder words. Sing soraethin" dat 
Mary Ann can jine in. Somethin' 'propriate to de occasion, 
kinder .solemn like. 

jBax.joist. Will you please to 'cu.se us, we'se something 
'posed for de 'casion. Sing "Dis am de blessed mornin"."' 

[Bones and buys bejin.] 
Oh ! dis am de blessed morning. 
When we darkies all am free. 
Oh! dis am de l)lessed mornin". 
And we'll sound de jubilee. 
Sound, darkies, sound. 
Oh ! sound dc jubilee, 
Sound, darkies, sound. 
We all dis day am free. 
Oh ! de blessed fader Abram 
Is de greatest livin' king; 
Oh ! de blessed fader Abram I 
We will all his praises sing. 

Sound, darkies, sound. &(.-. 
Oh! we'll praise de Hebenly Fader. 

For His day am surely come ; 
Oh! we'll praise de Hebenly Fader. 
Oh! we'll make our voices hum. 
Sound, darkies, sound, &c. 

TABLEA U: •'Enian.cipniion ProclaiiMtion." 

UxcLE Joe. Sing somethin" more lively, if 'twant com- 
posed for de 'casion, don"t matter. Song is de snme all de 
arth ober. Go in. {Tlinj sin(i.\ 

Uncle Joe. Dere is Mas"r Winthrop"s nigger. [Enter Hark 
L.] Say, Mister Winthrop, is you free? 

Hark. To be sure I am. I've been free dese number of 
years. What give to think so ridiculo^.s. 

U^X'LE Joe. Case de general say de secesh shouldn't have 
deres no longer, but didn't say nothin' 'bout de Yankees. 

Hark. I'se de family friend of de Doctor Winthrop and 
de guarjian of de young Captain Winthrop, and I'se always 
free to come and to go when I pleases. I was in de Souf once, 
but dese good many years I w.as at de Norf and a free coUud 
pusson. Go on wid your singing, Uncle Joe. It makes me 
feel young as I used to feel when I had my own little picanin- 
nies, fore'dey all died and I was took to de Norf. 

Unci^e Joe. De musicians and vocalists will please to per- 
form anoder ob dem tunes. [They play and siny.\ 

Hark. Dat sounds like de old times. A little dancin' 
would bring dem niaher still, and "pears like it would lire de 
^'lood in my old Soufern veins. 

"^Tt^jcle Joe. Come gemmen and ladies, could you dance a 
little ? 



21 

Mary Ann. Why Joseph, you is a minister of de gospel, 
and does yer ask de people to dance '? 

Uncle Joe. I does Mary Ann. 

Mary Ann. Where is yer piety ? 

Uncle ..oe. In de life. Now Mary Ann. what does de 
good book say about dancin' ? 

Mary Ann. You is de preacher, I spec'd you knows ver- 
self. 

Uncle Joe. I does. Mary Ann. It says dere is a time to 
dance ; and dis yere am de time. When de people who has been 
a slavin' all de life, is set free, shouldn't dey dance? I reckon 
dey .should. I is too old to dance, but I'll partake in de time. 
Will de musicians give us de music. [Then music sounds caul 
Jot' juif-s (Hid one of iln'in hei/hts to dunce.] 

Uncle Joe. Dat speaks de whole ob my heart. Anoder. 

Hark. De olden time has come. [Another Dances.] 

[All bef/in to he excited <ind icatch eagerly. All sing or play 
and several dance. Great furore «.s- they go into ihe open air, one 
hallooi)i'i ccslidicaliy. another scrcamiwi open the do\ Exeunt 

all. L.] 



ACT IV. 

tScENE I. Room in (!ol. (h-ciiory's house, Munley Winthrop 
ttiting in an easy chair. 

Win. For six long months, perforce, I've lingered liei-e. 
Securely guarded from the rebel foe. 
By those who are themselves our enemies: 
For friendships sake this gentle care is given. 
And I to better health have been restored. 
While loving hands have ministered to me. 
My sister, through the rebel lines has come. 
Protected from all harm by safe escort. 
And nothing that the power of friends could do 
These many months, has been withheld ; 
And I am truly grateful; yea my heai't 
Warms towards them, as I tliink what they have done. 
Yet they are rebels and conspire against 
My country, which I reckon more than life : 
And if away I once should strive to go. 
Strong guards would henceforth watch my chamber door. 
I must feign weakness and at dead of night 
From tliese my friends without my sister, go. 
Our army is not many miles away," 
And now methinks (as I more eager grow) 
I will this very night seek out their camp. 
Hurrah ! so soon to be within their lines. 



•22 

I do feel well again — full forty miles 

Could I ere morning march without fatigue. 

Enter Lillian. R. 
Ah! now my patient what disturbs thee so? 
Your countenance bespeaks you ill at ease. 

Wix. Tis naught my gentle nurse but that I've read 
Within these pages that which tlirilled my soul ; 
Which hath my mind with fancies overwrought. 

LiLLiAX. Then I most strictly do forbid, henceforth, 
Tliis naughty book within my patient's hand. 
What are its tlu-illing contents ? Let me see I 
Ah! "Irving's Conquest of Granada." One 
Would think this book ill-timed when pretty songs 
j\_nd perfumes sweet fill all the outer air. 
It is a book more fit for winter nights 
Than for the odorous balmy month of May. 
Win. Lillian ! 

Lillian. There is a tremor in thy voice ; 
What means it Manley, art thou ivally ill? 

Wix. Not so, sweet one, I am not very ill ; 
But still I feel not quite so well this night. 
As is my wont since summer days were nigh. 

Lillian. I'll call thy sister, Manley! Shall I ring? 
Win. .Not now, I have somewhat to say to tliee. 
Lillian. Now you are serious, what can this portend ? 
Win. I said that I were ill. 

Lillian. No, surely, no. 
Win. Be calm, I feel a tremor in my breast. 
It may be naught, and yet it may be death. 
Lillian. Death! No! 

Win. Disturb me not but let me speak. 
I never can forget your kindly deeds, 
Though years should intervene before I die. 
I love you Lillian, as no other one 
Upon this earth, and cannot bear the thought 
That ever I must part from thee, sweet one; 
But while our country is at war with self, 
I may not hope that we our fates can join. 
Dost thou turn away ? Dost thou love me not ? 
Lillian. From thy true love I have not turned away. 
Win. Then when the war that fills our land with grief. 
At last becomes a terror of the past, 
Wilt thou be mine whatever intervenes ? 

Lillian. "Whatever intervenes?" Thou dost but feign 
Thy sickness, now I fear, for some bad end. 
Thy voice is strong, it does not seem that death 
is very nigh to thee, what means this ruse ? 
Win. Oh ! the spasm comes again, I faint, I faint ! 
[Appears to swoon.] 



23 

LiLt-[AN. O Mauley, wake, and say thou dost forgive! 
He cannot hear — O what if lie should die ! 
Him whom I love more than all else beside. [Riwjs. | 
"Whatever intervenes?" Yes, Yes, but this — 
He nevermore shall §ght the southern flag. 

[PiUh salts to his nostrils. Enter servant, R.] 
Ask Miss Louise to come here quickly. Run. 

[Exit servant, R.] 
He now revives. Forgive me what I said. 

Win. I do forgive, but much you do me wrong. 
Lillian. Nay, say not so, I do believe thee now. 
Say once again thou dost my wrong forgive. 
Win. I do forgive thee, Lillian, heartily. 

[Enter Louise, B.] 
Louise. What is it Manley ? Are you ill ? 

Lillian. It is 
But now he fainted quite away. 
Louise. Then are you very ill ? 

Win. Not dangerously so. 
But will Louise a pillow bring and place 
Beneath my head, that I may rest awhile. 

Lillian. I'll go. It may atone to wait on thee. 
[Exit Lillian, li.] 
Win. Now Louise, listen, I am not ill. I have not been so 
well, before, since I received the wound. 1 am this night go- 
ing to the Union lines. I did this to deceive her. 

Louise. You must not go : you are not strong enough. 
Win. I am quite well. It is useless to say aught againt it. 
You will receive proper care. 

Louise. But you, Manley, can you endure the hardships of 
camp life, the fatigue of marches? 

Win. Hush! Lillian is coming; stay with me when she has 
gone. Remember it is for God and our liberties. [Enter Lil- 
lian R., brinf/imj a })illow.] 

Win. Thank thee Lillian. Excuse me now from speech. 
And I will rest. None need on me attend. 
Save you, my sister, come in ere you sleep. 
Lillian. Then good-night. Manley. Restful be thy sleep. 
AViN. Good-night, dear Lillian, and thy dreams be sweet. 
Good-night, Louise, or dost thou still remain? 
[Exit Lillian, R.] 
Win. There, now, my plan is this. Wait; before we go far- 
ther, ring and have Hark sent up. [Louise Rimjs.] I will 
remain as I am, until we are together. [Enter servant, R.] 

Louise. Tell Hark, that Captain Winthrop would see him 
immediately. [Exit servant, R.] 
Louise. I do not think you ought to go. 
Win. But Louise. Have I not sworn to uphold the flag ? 
I .should be a traitor were I to remain here longer. Be the 



24 

same brave girl you were at the North. I will try to get you 
throiigh the lines in a few days. Meantime you need fear 
nothing. [K)wckhi[/.] Come in.] [Enter Hark, R.] 

Hark. Are you sick, Mas'r Winthroi>? 

Win. Shut the door, and come ht^e. I am going into the 
Union camp to-night. 

Hark. What is all o' dis year smell o' sick folks mean? 

Win. You are no Yankee, or you could guess. 

Hark. Its' easy "nuf to see through de mile-stone, now 
you've made de hole. You'se deceivin, the Gregorys. Hi I hi I 
dat is good 'nut. 

W^iN. Well, now, at eleven o'clock, do you be here with my 
army suit in a bundle, and a few rations to use in case of need. 
It lacks only half an hovir now. iSo you'll have to step pretty 
lively. 

Hark. All right, Mas'r Cap'n, I'se on hand. Good-bye 
Miss Louise ! 

Louise. Good-bye, Hark, take good care of Manley. 

Hark. That I will. The Lord keep you. ]Exit Uark. L. 

LouisK. If it wasn't for Hark, the faithful fellow, I could 
not consent to have you go, but I have great confidence in 
him. [Knocking.] 

Win. Who can that be? i must to bed again. [Louise' 
opens the door, Enter Lillian and Marion, li.] 

Lillian. Pardon me, but I am anxious to know how fares 
my patient. 

LocisE. Hush ! Do not wake him, he is very quiet. 

Marion. Why did he send for Hark? How could he if he 
was asleep ? 

Louise. Why, Marion ! How inquisitive ! He was not 
sleeping then. He wanted some trifle which only Hark could 
find. He moves uneasily. I think we should retire and leave 
him quiet. [Ejceunt Lillian, Marion and Louise, It.] 

Win. Now they are gone. [Jumps up and locks the door. [ 
Now I'll hasten to my chamber and prepare. [E.ril Win. L.\ 

Scene II. Virginia. A path in the woods. Time, lught. 
Festus Gregory sitting on a log. 

Greg. This is a weary way on foot and lone. 
How oft I've wandered by this woody path 
In youthful days, safe mounted on the back 
Of my most trusty horse, which now is dead. 
Oh! those were peaceful days, when war's alarm 
Was still unheard through all the land about. 
No friends were forced by honor's law to fight, 
And strike each other down like enemies, 
As we must daily do in battle now. 
This is a cursed war to North and South, 



25 

And seems no nearer now unto the end 

Than two long, bloody, wretched years ago. 

My college friend, if I do not mistake 

The mettle of his soul, will soon escape 

My sisters' guardian care, unless a watch 

Be placed upon his movements. And for this 

I now return. I must away. [l?ise«,] What, ho! 

Halt ! who comes there ? Halt ! or I tire. 

Win. a friend. 
Greg. Throw down your arms and then you may advance. 
Win. We are not armed. 

GrKECi. One of you may advance. 
[Enter Winthrop and Hark, L.] 
Ah ! Winthrop, how is this ? 

Win. Ah ! Festus, chum. 
[They embrace. Meanwhile Hark advances and disarms Gre<j- 
ory, who disenyayes himself from Winthrojj^s embrace, and at- 
temps to reclaim his arms.] 

Greg. What means this, Winthrop ? Is it to repay 
What I have done for you in days now past, 
That I am by your servant. Hark, disarmed ? 

Win. Not so, old friend ; you do not judge me thus, 
You have more faith in my true love for you. 
Now is't not so? Tell me you trust me yet. 

Greg. I did most surely trust you until now. 
But what can mortal think when thus disarmed ? 
Hark. What the use o' talking dis yere way, Mas'r Greg- 
ory? You knows he thinks a heap on yer, and he didn't know 
nothin' 'bout my taking dese yere things away. He don't 
want to be tooked back to your house again, 'case theyd watch 
him, and he's goin' for de Union lines. 

Win. Well, Hark has given you the story, Festus. That's 
the "whole truth and nothing but the truth." You know 
very well that there is nothing that I would not do or suffer 
for you that I consider honorable, but I cannot prove untrue 
to the old flag. 

Greg. Oh ! cursed war ! How many times I mourned 
The blighting hour that led the South to fight. 
Beneath the starlit heavens, let us again 
Renew our vows of friendship unto death. 
Win. I pledge my word and heaven shall witness it. 
[Clasj) hands.] 
Hark. That don't look like war, nohow. Come Mas'r 
Gregory, come along wid us to the Union lines. We'll give 
you de best de camps affords. 

Greg. That's impossible, Hark. Manley shall he return 
my pistols ? 

Win. Yes, Festus. Hark, return all that you have taken 
from him. 



26 

Hark. Yaas sir, Mas'r Winthrop, but 'pears ter me you'd 
better settle it first which is goin' with tother. 

Greg. You are the strongest party at present, and I am at 
your mercy, so that I promise to leave you unmolested, if you 
return my arms. 

WijSf. It shall be done. 

Hark. Here dey are, Mas'r Gregory. [Returnii the pistols.] 
Beg pardon for de unceremoniousness. 

Greg. All right, Hark, I think more of you for your devo- 
tion to my friend. You say you have no weapons, Manley. 

Win. I have none whatever. 

Greg. Then you will please accept this from me. 

Win. Thanks, Festus, Heaven will reward you. We must 
go, goodnight. 

Greg. I wish you a safe journey. 

Win. Take good care of Louise, or rather bid your people 
do it, since your furlough is doubtless of short duration. 

Greg. I return tomorrow to my regiment. Good night. 

Win. Good night. 

Hark. I never seed folks like dem afore. [They are depart- 
ing when Louise rushes upon the stage and runs to her brother. 
Gregory and Winthroji instindively assume an attitude of defence 
before they realise what is the interruption. Hark lifts his hands.] 

Hark. Oh ! 

Win. Louise ! 

Greg. Can it be Miss Winthrop ? 

Hark. Dat's Miss Louise, shore. I thought it was de 
angel dat comes upon us anywheres. 

Louise. Unawares you mean. Hark ; but you see I am far 
from being an angel. [Gregory seems to think her one.] 

Win. Why are you here ? 

Louise. I was obliged to come. 

Greg. You do not mean to say that you were driven from 
my father's door? 

Louise. Not by words, indeed, but your younger sister 
Marion, suspected that something was to be done, and so 
watched the door of Mauley's room. She saw Hark enter but 
did not see him come out again, which still farther aroused 
her suspicions, and she knocked at the door. Eeceiving no 
answer, she imparted the fact to Lillian, who also came and 
knocked. 

Win. At what hour was this ? 

Louise. Half past eleven, or thereabouts. 

Hark. Dat was a hairbreadth escape, Mas'r Manley. Dat 
little rebel is a peart one. 

Greg. Were you not called ? 

Louise. They then came for me, and I suspect I showed 
unmistakable evidence of ray knowledge of the affair, for the 
little Marion said, "aIi! you know where he is! Has he gone 



27 

away?" To this I made no answer, but could not help be- 
traying the fact by my blushes and tears. The whole house 
was then aroused, and I ran off during the disturbance, and 
as Providence would have it, I liave found my brother and 
Hark without trouble. 

Hark. 'Pears to me, Mas'r Manley, we'se better be goin' 
for de Union lines. They hain't got iio dogs on de plantation, 
but dey'd find us if we stay around yere. 

Greg. Torments of another world I when will this cursed 
war be done? Here, Manley, I'll help you and Louise out of 
this, if I am shot for it before tomorrow's sun goes down. I 
have the countersign, and treason or no treason, death or life, 
I will see you safe outside the confederate lines. Come on, 
Louise shall have a horse at the next house. I will not see 
you defenceless or by any possible misfortune subject to the 
taunts of the soldiery, though I be cursed till death for my 
disloyalty to Virginia. 

Hakk. De gemman shows itself in Mas'r Gregory, if he be 
a secesh. Dey am de most friendly enemies dat dis chile ever 
looked upon with dese visual orbs. [Shoics the whites of his 
eyes. Exeunt all, R. ] 

TABLEAU. 

Scene III. Neio England. Room in Dr. Winthrop^s man- 
don. Assemhhj in aid of Sanitary Commission. Mrs. Winthrop, 
Mrs. Holman and six others sitting by a table scraping lint. 

Mrs. Win. It is now nearly three years since our brave 
men went forth to battle with the enemy, and we may hope 
that some of them will soon return, but many will doubtless 
go back to fight until the war is over. 

Mrs. Hol. There are some who can never come back, Mrs. 
Winthrop ; they have died upon the battlefield. 

Mrs. Win. This is indeed sadly true, and at the same time, 
that we rejoice in the return of our nearest and dearest friends 
we shall not forget to sympathize with those who are bereft. 
You should be thankful that Mr. Holman is with you, although 
it was in consequence of sickness from wounds that he was 
discharged. 

Mrs. Hol. I hope I am thankful for Abijah's comin' back; 
but Charles was the hope of our old age ; he never can come 
back. 

Mrs. Win. Can you not feel consolation in the thought 
that you have given him to the cause of liberty, and that his 
name is enrolled among those who died in its defence ? 

Mrs. Hol. It's very well for you to talk who hasn't lost 
any child by the war. You can't be expected to know any- 
thing about it. Why, Charles was my idol ; I verily believe 1 
sot more by him than I did by Abijah ; but he was taken and 
Abijah was left. [Enter Holman, L., on crutches.] 



28 

HoLMAN. So here you are at it. We boys down south used 
to wonder how you carried on up here, now I shall have a 
chance to see. 

Mrs. Win. Take the easy chair, Mr. Holman. 

H01.MAN. Thank you ma'am. I am much obleeged to you. 
This war lias done one thing. 

Mes. Wm. What is that, Mr. Holman? 

Holm AN. It's put us all on a level. Time was when I 
shouldn't a dared to sit down in an easy chaii' in Dr. Win- 
throp's mansion; h^d now, though I thmk more of the doctor 
and his family than ever before, I feel at home. 

Mrs. Hol. Why, Abijah, how you talk. 

Holman. Truth, Lucia, and I tell you why, and this I've 
learned in the army, too. When you git to the hearts of peo- 
ple, it don't make no difference whether they are rich or 
poor, high or low, they are jest the same. Some folks cover 
up the hearts and you'd think they hadn't any, but let some- 
thin' tear away the cov'rin' and you see 'em beatin' like a trij) 
hammer. So you see I aint' af eared to come here now, 'cause 
the war uncovered your hearts and I know what you air. 

Mrs. Win. I am glad to hear you speak in that way, Mr. 
Holman, we shall always be proud to welcome you, and doubt- 
less all here will express the same sentiments. 

One. We shall all be glad to see you at anytime. 

Another. Our house is always open to you. 

Holman. Thank you ladies, and I s'pose Mrs. Holman is 
invited too. 

Mrs. Win. Certainly. You are both one, are you not ? 

Holman. Wal, yes, I don't know. How is that Lucia? 

Mrs. Hol. Abijah! I should think you'd better go home, 
if you can't talk any better' n that. 

Holman. Why, what have I said ? 

Mrs. Hol. Said! you talk like a young boy that's just 
married. 

Holman. Wal, it makes me feel young, to see all these fine 
young ladies, and to hear them chatting away to themselves. 
But there is one thing I'd like to have you do if you ain't too 
busy. 

Mrs. Win. Wal, now, Abijah, what's got into you? 

Holman. Oh ! nothin particular, only I like to hear some 
of these young ladies sing a song. [Enter Louise, L., bowing, 
shakes hands with Jlolman.] 

Louise. I am glad to see you Mr. Holman. 

Holman. Thank you ma'am. I am glad to see you. Ladies, 
many's the time Ave soldiers at the South have lifted our caps, 
and give three cheers for the daughter of the regiment. She 
seemed like an angel to some of us. 

Mrs. Hol. Now, Abijah, what air you sayin'. Givin' 



29 

three cheers for an angel! Wal, that beats all. [General 
Laughter.] 

HoLMAN. Lucia alius was a laughin' to me about my gram- 
mar; and I 'spect if I was dyin' and I should say "set round 
me all my friends," she would say "sif Abijali, not "set" : 
"hens set." Wouldn't you Lucia? 

Mrs. Hol. Perhaps I should, if I thought you would re- 
mem'^er it. 

Louise. Mr. Holman does not tell you of the Good Samar- 
itan part which he acted. He has saved the life of more than 
one man, by his careful nursing, and comfoited many a boy 
wlien he has been discouraged from long sickness in the camp. 
It was fortunate that he went into the army, if his strength 
did not allow him to keep up with his company in some of 
the forced marches. 

HoLMAJj. Miss Louise don't say too much about them af- 
fairs, for J can see that Mrs. Holman is gettin' a little riled, 
and besides I didn't do no more'n I ought to do; but as I was 
sayin' when you come in, can't some of the young ladies sing 
a song? Sometliing cheerful like, so that we may forget the 
war for a time. [Exprefisiuns of pain come over the faces of 
many present.] 

Louise. Will Miss Peters sing? 

Miss Peteks. I really could not. 1 have a very bad cold, 
ahem ! 

Mks. Wix. Perhaps Miss Henry will favor us. 

Miss Henkv. I sliould be pleased to do so, but I have lui 
notes with me. and I cannot sing witliout them. 

Louise. There is Mrs. Dolly, mother, she will undoubtedly 
sing. 

MiivS. Wix. Mrs. Dolly, will you favoi Mr. Holman and 
ourselves with a song ? 

Mrs. Dolly. I thank you, Mrs. Winthrop. Indeed I 
thank you very much, but I never sing in ]>ul)lic. 

HoLM.\x. Come, Miss Louise, you sing us something that 
you used to sing in Virginia. Give us that one about the 
Robin. 

Louise. Ah! I know. "The robin sings his sweetest 
song." 

Holman. Yes, that's it. 

Louise. And after I have sung that, perhaps Mrs. Royson 
will sing one of her inimitable songs. 

Mrs. Royson. I shall be most happy to sing for the old 
hei'O. [Louise sinys.] 

Holman. That brings the old times back to me. Some of 
them were happy days, after all. 

Mrs. Hol. I believe he is mournin' for his old associates. 
If it wasn't for his wounds I believe he'd enlist again. 

Holman. That I would, you may depend on't. [Ladies 



30 

clap their hanch. Holmaa bows and is very much pleased with 
the compliment.] 

Louise. Mrs. Royson ? [Mrs, B. bows, (joes to the piano and 
plays and sings. While Mrs. R. sings Capt. Winthro}^ appears 
at the door. Louise utters a cry of gladness and goes toward 
him. Enter Winthrop, L. Mrs. R. stops playing, all greet the 
new comer.] 

Mrs. Win. Mauley! [Kisses him and leans her head upon 
his shoulder.] 

Wix. Mother, dear! [Kisses her.] How do you do Louise ? 
I Kisses Louise. ] 

Louise. I am glad to see you. 

Win. How do you do ladies, I am happy to see you. How 
are you Holmau ? 

HoLMAN. Right smart, I thank ye. Captain. You are 
lookin' pooty well. 

Win. [At the same time shaking hands with all.] And so I 
am. 

HoLMAN. But what are you at home for now ? Your time 
ain't out. 

Win. To recruit a new command, but we will talk that 
over some other time. You've been well mother? 

Mrs. Win. Very well, my son. Have you seen your father? 

Win. Yes, mother, I met him below. He will be in soon. 
Excuse me, and I will make myself a little more presentable. 
[Exit Capt yViiithrop, L.j 

Holm AN. Well, Lucia, perhaps we'd better be goin', so the 
family can talk over matters together. 

Mrs. Win. You are not unwelcome at this time. Do not 
take yourself hurriedly away. 

Holm AN. Thank ye, ma'am, we will call again. 

Mrs. Win. We hope you will do so. [Exeunt Mr. and Mrs, 
H. and others, R.] 

Louise. Miss Henry says she would like to see Manley and 
ask him about her friend Ray. 

Mrs. Win. She can remain hei-e or step to the library. 

Louise. Why ! where is Hark ? 

Mrs. Win. Sure enough! where is he? [Enter Hark.] 

Hark. Here lis am. Missus Winthrop. 

Mrs. Win. How do you do. Hark ? I am glad to see you 
.safe at home. 

Hark. I'se glad nuf to get yere. I is so. [Exeunt all, R.] 



Scene IV, Before Petersburg. Officer's Tent with Flag Sta£ 
before it. Col. Deerson at the door. Enter Orderly, L, saluting. 

Ord. Colonel! They've got a spy down there. 
Col. D. How do you know ? 



31 
# 

Ord. I've seen him. Regular secesh all through. He's got 
important papers with him. 

Col. D. Who's got him? 

Ord. Capt. Snob. His Lieut, brought him in from picket. 

CoL. D. Why didn't he bring him directly to headquarters I 

Okd. You ask me too much Colonel. 

Col. D. Well, just you go down there and tell Capt. Snob 
to have his lieutenant trot him up here at double quick. 
Orderly fialutei^. Exit Orderly L. 

CoL. D. That's a pretty piece of business; taking a spy to 
company headquarters instead of the regimental ! He shall be 
reprimanded for it. Enter Adjutant, i?, ftcdiiting. 

Ad.jt. The general commanding has died from the effect 
of wounds received. 

CoL. And who assumes command ? 

Adjt. Are you not the ranking officer ? 

Col. D. I must be. Do you sit down immediately and 
write an order to that effect. [Adjutant f/oen into the tent and 
uirites. ] 

CoL. D. Say that in consequence of the death of the general 
commanding, Col. Deerson being the ranking officer assumes 
command of the brigade, and is to be recognized as general 
and to be obeyed and respected accordingly. Write it "Per 
order. Col. Deerson commanding Brigade" and sign it, and have 
it dispatched as soon as the orderly returns. [Enter Lieutenant 
Haines, L, with spy (juarded by four soldierf! all salute the Col- 
onel except the spy, and ininiediately after them enters Orderly L. 
who salutes the Aajufant as he isKue!< front the tent, rereix-es the 
orders and departs, B. A<ljutunt rentaines to trifnes.s tJie pm- 
ceedin<is. 

Col. D. Whom have you here Lieutenant ? 

Lieut. H. A spy tliat we took on the outer picket. 

CoL. D. [Turnimi to spy,} What say you sir, are you a spy".' 

Greg. If I should deny it you would not believe me, and if 
I should say I am you would not sliow me clemency. 

CoL. D. A very exalted opinion you have of us Yankees, 
now havn't you? 

Greg. In time of war. Reason and Moderation bid farewell 
to men. 

Col. D. Who ai'e you? or Lieut, where are the papers? 

Lieut. I have found only one upon him of any importance 
as evidence against him, and that is of no use to our general — 
Here it is. 

CoL. D. [Glancinr/ at it,] Out of date, but it will go against 
him. [Turning to Gregory] have you other papers? 

Greg. You are at liberty to search me. 

CoL. D. What do you expect to gain by this obstinacy? 

Greg, as you will not take the word of a spy, I wish you 
to be satisfied by seeing with your own eyes. 



32 

Col. D. Lieutenant, search the rascal. [Lieutenant H. be- 
gins the search. Greyonj is unresistimj until Lieut. H. says 
''open (jour 6o.so»i." then he instinctively starts.] 

Col. D. There's the treasure now. Tear his shirt, any- 
thing. [They scuffle. They leave his neck bare.] 

Gkeg. [chokinr/.] Unliand me and I will give them to you. 
[Tliey release him and he takes out the papersbut before hayidiny 
them, suddenly tears tliem in peices — all try to prevent it but do 
not succeed.] 

Greg. There they are. [Throws them to Col. D.] 

Col. D. [Enraged.] Rascal! Villianl You shall die for 
this. [Greg, looks defiantly.] 

Col. D I'll take out your Virginia blood, you'll see if you 
can insult us with impunity, you upstart of a rebel! Lieuten- 
ant, bind him to that staff. 
Lieut. H. Boys, fasten him. 

CoL. D. There's a rojie in my tent. [On« yets the rope and 
they tie him fast to tite staff.] 

CoL. D. Now Lieut, to your duty as executioner. 

Greg. Hold there ! I have one request to make. 

Col. D, Xame it, 

Greg. Take my fathers address. [Col. D. takes his pencil 
to write on card or paper.] '"Sylvanus Gregory, Spottsylvania, 
[Col. writes.] Say his son died true to his name and to Virgin- 
ia. Tell him to tell Winthrop that to our vows, I have never 
for one moment proven false. [Greg, hesitates.] 

Col. D. Come, is that all?— 

Greg, Yes. (hesitatingly.) But — 

CoL. D. Come, out with it, if there is any thing. "We don't 
want to be cruel with you. 

Greg. Tell them to tell Louise (blu.^hing.) that I have done 
what I thought was right. [Is much affected.) 

CoL. D. All right. Its done. (Folds the paper and puts it 
in his pocket.) And now you shall soon know whether you've 
done right or not. Are your guns loaded, Lieut. ? 

Lieut, H, Are you loaded, boys! (They nod and say '^'^yes 
sir.") 

Lieut. Yes sir they are all loaded. 

CoL. D. Proceed. (Greg, is very nervous, excited, eyes start 
out,) 

Lieut, Eeady — Aim — (Enter Col. Winthrop hastily.) 

CoL Wix, Hold! Stop, (The Lieut, does not proceed, and 
the men come to a shoulder. ) What does this mean I An execu- 
tion at headquarters Col. Deerson. and by your command? 

Col, D. By what right do you interfere ? 

CoL. W. Through seniority of rank. 

CoL. D. I deny your right. 

Col. W. Show the date of your Commission. Here is 
mine, ( They exwnine papers. ) 



33 

Col. D. I acknowledge that you are right, though only by 
two days. 

Greg. I am saved. ( While Col. D. is- talking. Col. W. cuts 
the ropes which bind Gregory, who falls fainting but is caught by 
Col. W. TABLEAU. Curtain falls.) 



ACT V. 

Scene I. Verandah of Col. Gregory^s house. Col. Gregory 
and his daughter Marion. 

Marion. Oh ! father, father can it then be true, 
That we are whipped and that the Yankee troops 
Are marching now victorious o'er the land ? 

Col. G. It is but true, my daughter dear ; the North 
Have beaten us upon our native soil. 
And we are henchforth vassals of their will. 

Marion. What mean you, vassals, serfs unto the North ? 
I'd sooner live on plainest fare, or starve 
Than for an hour submit to their vile sway. 
Out upon them ! I spurn the mudsills now, 
As when four years ago we here were met. 

[Stamps her feet excitedly. Enter Lillian, R.] 
Where, think you, is your Yankee lover now ? 

Col. G. Hush, my daughter! speak not thus to Lillian, 
Young Winthrop did but act the part he thought 
Was right ; he is an honest whole-souled man. 
Have you not heard that by his friendly aid 
Our Festus' life was saved when hope was gone ? 

Marion. Ah ! father, can you e'er forget the night 
He fled from us, deceiving ere he went ? 
Col. G. Ah! Marion, you are a rebel still. 
Marion. Indeed I am, and while I live, I trust 
My heart will ever feel the same as now. 

Lillian. What boots it Marion, that we persist 
In hating those who are our honest friends. 
Has not friend Winthrop ever shown a heart 
Of kindness toward our household, young and old ? 
Marion. I don't care; I'm a rebel and I always will be 
one. [Enter Festus Gregory, L.] 
Marion. There's Festus! 
Lillian. My dear brother ! 
Greg. Ah! sisters, father, I'm home for good. 
Col. G. Welcome home, Festus. Glad we are to see you. 
Marion. Did you come near being shot for a spy ? 
Greg. Yes, I did sis, and but for my friend Winthrop 1 
should now be a dead man. 



34 

Marion. It's no more than he ought to do. You saved 
his life once, and he saved yours. Tit for tat. You are not 
indebted to him. 

Lillian. Tell us about it, Festus. 

Greg. Well, our commanding officer wanted to find out 
something in regard to the enemy's defence, and I volunteered 
to undertake the task. 

Marion. Brave Festus ! 

CoL. G. A true Gregory ! 

Grkg. I was captured, and brought before a colonel, who 
upon the sudden death of his general, had assumed command 
of the brigade. I was condemned by him to be shot immedi- 
ately, and the Lieutenant was preparing to execute the sen- 
tence ; indeed the soldiers were aiming there guns at me, when 
Winthrop rushed up and put a stop to the proceedings. 

Lillian. That was a narrow escape ; but why was Win- 
throp obeyed ? 

Greg. Because he was the ranking officer, as was proved 
by examining their commissions. When I heard that Win- 
throp was to take command I exclaimed "I am saved!" I 
knew that my old friend would manage to get me safe out of 
it, although I could not see how it could be done and he prove 
true to his principles as I knew he would. 

CoL. G. Thank Heaven, my son, for such a friend ! They 
are few, and they are as precious as they are rare. 

Greg. I am glad that you think this of Manley. I parti- 
ally swooned upon being restored to hopes of life, and was 
taken in that condition to Col. Winthrop' s headquarters where 
I soon returned to full consciousness of my situation. I was 
very grateful to my deliverer from immediate death, and for 
his promise of interposition in my behalf, if my execution 
should be demanded. But you know how Lee surrendered, 
and the troops were allowed to go to their homes. I was ac- 
cordingly liberated and am now with you. 

Lillian. Thank Heaven that the war at length is ended. 

Greg More of this another time. [Exeunt all, R. and L.] 

Scene II. Poorly furnished room. Old Mrs. Holman knit- 
ting. 

Mrs. H. -Gratitude ! love ! sympathy ! Pretty words 
Are these, but they have lost all meaning now. 
They were merely catch words for the time. 
Debts of honor! (ha! ha!) are never paid. 
If there be an "I owe you" which the law 
Has jurisdiction over, all is well ; 
But words of honor are but slender bonds 
Which oft are broken when the danger's past. 
Ay ! we may live on poorest fare, or starve. 
And yet no one of all who promised much 



35 

Will aid us, but in common chanty. 
Oh ! must a soldier, or his wife ask alms 
Of those for whom he gave his strength in war '? 
They throw his scanty pension in our teeth 
As if eight paltry dollars would suffice 
To purchase all our wants if sick or well ! 
Ah ! Christianity, thou art malinged 
When such penurious, flinty men profess 
Their deeds are governed by thy righteous laws I 
[Enter Holman, L., on crutches.] 
Mr. H. Wife, wife, what is that you say ? Are you crazed ? 
Of late I often find you muttering. 

Mrs. H. Oft-times I think I'm like a sorceress; 
They say that oft from lack of proper food. 
The tongue of prophecy itself is loosed ; 
That visions come which others cannot see. 

Holman. Lucia ! Lucia ! wife, stop. Oh I speak not so. 
Is there not e'en a morsel in the house ? 

Mrs. H. Not e'en one morsel, all we had is gone. 
But do not mind, Abijah, for my days 
Are numbered and in brighter lands I soon 
Shall be where plenty reigns and ills come not. 
Mr. H. You shall not starve to death. You've kept 
from me 
Your pressing need while I have found my bread 
Away ; else I'd have begged for your relief. 
Good Colonel Winthrop has been e'er our friend, 
I'll haste to him and tell our need of food. 
[Starts to leave the house. Enter Col, Winthroy and Louise, X.J 
Win. Good morning, Holman ! 

Mr. H. Thank Heaven ! When e'er "we talk of angels, 
then 
We hear the gentle rustling of there wings." 
[Lotti.se meanichile goes to Mrs. Uolman with jellies, cakes and 
bread.] 

Louise. Here is something which mother has sent you 
Mrs. Holman. She thought perhaps your appetite would 
crave this jelly. You are looking really ill ; I will tell father 
to call and see you tomorrow morning. [Mrs. H. tastes of the 
jelly and eats of the bread. [ 

Mrs. H. Bless your gracious heart. You are a Chrisiian. 
You have saved me from starvation. 
Louise. Starvation! Mrs. Holman. 

Col. W. Starvation ! Holman how is this ? I thought you 
had more confidence in us than this. 

Mr. H. She didn't want me to beg, and so kept her real 
need from me. 

Col. W. Beg ! Holman, beg ! what are you talking about ? 
You are not an object of charity. A man lose his strength, 



36 

his power of procuring a living, by service at war, and then 
be obliged to beg and feel ashamed to do so, why Holman this 
is simply ridiculous. You shall never want while any of the 
Winthrops are alive. Just you rest easy on that score. 

Mb. H. I knew it. I knew you would say so. 

Mks. H. Heaven will reward you ! 

Col. W. For paying my debts ? Ha ! ha ! Good morning. 
I'll send Hark here tomorrow. 

Louise. Good morning. I"ll call and see you again soon. 
(Exeunt Col. W. and Louise, B.) 

Mk. H. Now, Lucia, I guess you'll consent to live a little 
while longer. 

Mks. H. Wal, I think I will, Abijah, seein' there's angels 
of mercy on the earth aS well as over yonder. I expect the 
Good Father dont' leave us alone, though sometimes it seems 
as if he had forgotten us. If we try to do right, we shant 
starve, or suffer more than we can bear. I believe that, don't 
you, Abijah ? 

Mk. H. That I do, Lucia, though sometimes a feller will 
forgit it when his last cent is gone, and his wife is sick, and 
he don't know where the next cent is comin' from. 

Mks. H. Let's bow our heads a minute and thank the Fa- 
ther for His care, and ask a blessin, on our friends. ( They 
bow their heads. TABLE A U. They rise. ) 

Mks. H. Come, Abijah, help me put these things in the 
pantry. 

Mk. H. That I'll do. {Theij take baskets and Exeunt, L.) 

Scene. III. {Parlor at Col. Gregory's residence. Enter 
Louise Winthrop, X, and looks from the window.) 

Louise. Oh ! sweet the balmy air which wafts the scent 
Of myriad blossoms from the orchard grove, 
Who would not love tbe South, and linger here 
Her youthful years, where all is beautiful? 
Though there were nothing else to bind my heart 
But these delightful scenes in field and wood. 
E'en then methinks, I could with pleasure call 
This happy place my home ; but when fond eyes 
Have looked their earnest love into mine own" 
And whispered words have spoke of loving long, 
Methinks I could no other country find 
Where life would seem so dear antl truly blest. 
{Lightly sinys ''The Bobin shujs his sweetest song'' or some 
other pretty song. Enter Greg. L.) 

Greg. HoI ho! »m 6e//e thy pretty voice this morn 
Is blithe and merry as the wildest bird. 
Art thou so very, very happy, sweet, 
As thy glad, ringing voice bids me believe? 

Louise. Ah ! Festus who is there would not be glad 



37 

Amid these scenes on this delightful morn ? 
Gees. Then 'tis the scene and nothing else which thrills 

Thy gentle heart with such unwonted joy! 
Louise. Not this alone, nor chiefly, but thy words 

Of yesternight afford this joy to me. 
(He attempts to kiss her and she apparently yields, but ere he 
con succeed she starts away singing. Exit Lonise, R. 
Gke(t. How tantalizing is my bird today I 

When woman knows her sovereign power o'er man, 

Tis her delight that i^ower to exercise. 

Humph ! well, we wait while they the fetters bind, 

And tis a pleasing sway I well confess. 

Is it that the morn is now more beautiful 

Than other mornings, that we are so blest ? 

The birds, the trees, the flowers — all Nature seems 

Thrice filled with joy upon this vernal day. 

These festive scenes remind me of the days, * 

The hostile days upon the Southern soil. 

Friend "VVinthrop then was my sworn enemy 

According to the usages of war; 

Yet often did he prove that friendship true 

Will rise above all party strife or hate 

And its delightful offices perform, 

Though, seemingly, disgrace be its reward. 

And now, today, sweet peace reigns o'er this land. 

The South, submissive to the fate imposed 

By war's result upon their conquered heads. 

Are living with the hope of better days ; 

Nor bear the North ill-will, as some suppose; 

'Tis true, I cannot speak for all the South, 

But all I know submit with willing grace 

And own the justice of the ruling power. 

This is a glad and most eventful day ; 

It sees my sister and my truest friend 

Together joined in matrimonial bonds. {Enter gttests. L.) 

The guests are coming and I must away. 

(Erit Greg., B. Enter Marion Gregory, B.) 
Marion. Good morning, friends, I am glad to see you 
here. 

Be seated till the bride and groom arrive. 
Enter other guests who are received by Marion. Enter Pianist, 
li., who seats himself at the piano, remoces his gloves and after a 
little delay begins to perform the "Wedding March.''' Enter Col. 
G^-egory, L. Enter clergyman who is to officiate. The as.'iembled 
guests act e.vpectant and eager. Enter Festus Gregory loith 
Louise Winthrop, and Col. Winthrop loith Lillian Gregory. 
They assume their proper positions and the marriage ceremony 
if, about to begin when the curtain falls. 

TABLEAU. 



OCT 6 1931 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



018 597 303 7 



